DEFENCE NOTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 102, 1 May 1936, Page 5

DEFENCE NOTES

MINIATURE SHOOTING HANDICAP EVENT COMMENCED (By “Sentry.”) On Monday evening last the Minia ture Rifle Club of the Wellington West Coast Regiment commenced its first trophy shoot. The committee of the club has purchased a cup for this event I which is called the “Opening Handicap.” The rules in connection with this event are as follows: The competi Lion will extend over a period of four Monday evenings, commencing from Monday, April 27. 'l’he first three nights’ scores only are to count. The extra night has been allotted io enable anyone who may not. be able to attend the three nights in succession, Io complete his shoot. Competitors will have eight shots each evening, (he first three being optional sighters, and the remaining five to count. Handicaps have been allotted and are as follows:—’Corp. Anderson, 10; Pte. A. Anderson, 8; Pie. M. Allen, 6; Pte. D. Allen, 5; Pte. R. Alien, 6; Pte. S. Butcher, !•; Pie. G. Broome. 7; Pte. H. Bowling, 8: Pte. Cox, 9; Sgt. Cresswell, 9; Pte. Dear. 4; Pte. Davis, 12; Pte. Dennis, 14; Pte. Foster, 9; Pte. Greagor, 8; Pte. Henderson, 12; Sgt. Koorey, 4; Corp. Moosman, scr.; Pte. McCrorie, JI; Sft.-Major Malcom, scr.; Pte. Maras. 11: Pte. Miller. .10; Pte. Naylor, 5; Pte. Rumney, 4; Pte. Reeves, 7; Pte. Stewart, 9; L.-corp. W. Sherlock. 5; L.-corp. R. Sherlock, 4; Pte. A. Shearer, S-, Pie. Simonson, 12; Corp. Silk. 9; C.S.M. Wadey, 4; Pt<\ j). Wadey, 10: Sgt. Brett, 4; Pte. Manssen, 6; R.S.M. Harvey, Pip. Hammond, 6; Pte. Clarke, (U Pt.\ Patterson 8. As this is the first handicap event run by the club a more difficult task than usual was set the committee in arranging handicaps. However, ’’Sentry” is assured by the commitlee that several hours of serious thought were put. into the handicapping and competitors may rest assured (hat the handicaps allotted have nut been imposed without fully considering the ability of those competing. The first shooL-olf in this competition was tired on Monday evening, about 30 men taking part. The result of the first night's shoot put Private Greagor in the lead with Corp. Anderson and Pte. D. Wadey tying for second place. However, next week should see whether these, men can retain their lead or whether some “dark horse” will move “into the straight” and get his nose in front. Only nine rifles are being used by the club, these having been tested by members of the committee over the weekend and a record of each rifle made. This should greatly assist competitors, who, although still finding it necessary io make use of their sighters, should find it easier to place a shot somewhere in a handy position on the target to see what is happening. Quite a number of those who have been given handicaps have not yet fired and this will mean that they will have to fire the next three Monday evenings in succession in order to com plete the practice. A small monetary prize for the best. shot, of the evening was won on Monday last by Private Rij m ncy wi t h .S. M. Wade v a close second. Anzac Day. A very line performance was put up by the regiment on Anzac Day, when a guard to the Regimental Colour was jormed to take part in the procession. Fortunately, the rain held off, allowing everything to be carried out. as scheduled. 'l’he Turakina Plat i.'it came into town and paraded with the guard, which presented a line s'ght ?,s it marched through the city wijb fixed bayonets. The Regimental Ba':' l excelled itself on the day, play : rg well and marching in true military fashion Special thanks must be extended to the Citzens’ Ladies' •Committee, who very kindly invited all rariKS :i to a sumptuous afternoon tea al the conclusion of the parade. 'l’he invitation, needless to say, was heartily accepted. Ln the evening a large party of territorials attended thp. Anzac war scenu. where a most enjoyable evening was spent. I’he mounted unit of the Queen Alexandra’s Own Mounted Rifles, which paraded under Captain Laws, was larger in numbers than usual and presented quite a formidable body, as it Look part in the procession. Very little is seen of the mounteds in Wanganui, as the majority of parades are, held in the outside areas, and it is pleasing know that the numbers are still being kept up and that the enthusiasm of its members is just as keen as in past years. The Band. For some weeks past, now, special practices for marching drill have been held by regimental bandsmen and the value of those practices was fully shown by the marked improvement in dressing and wheeling during the Anzac Day parade. 'l’he band, for »Saturclay’s parade, had the services of Mr. ;N. Tyler as drum-major and his perlforma nee in that rapacity was excellent. He has accepted the appointment of drum-major. Band members are reminded of the Trounson trophy competition, which will be competed for again in the near future. This competition is competed for twice a year and is a handicap event, every competitor being allotted a handicap and being required to play a solo (of his own choice) on his particular instrument. The competition attracted a large number of entrants on the last occasion, the winner being Bandsman R. Swallow. .Indications point to the coming event, being every bit as successful as previously. B Coy. A half-day parade will be held for B Company on Saturday afternoon next at the Putiki range. Lewis gun practices will be fired and it is to be hoped that all Lewis gunners in particular will attend, while any others who wish may parade. A reminder is also given of the fortnightly parade next Alouday evening. Only two more parades are set down for this military year, which will end on May 31, and any man who may have an odd parade to make up his required number should attend and ensure that he will be able to draw his full year “ out-of-camp ” pay. The company commander, Captain Whiting, has presented a trophy for a shooting competition among memberof B Company. This will be competed for in a miniature rifle shooting maten (a handicap match) which will be arranged on the last parade night of the year, Monday, May 18. Full particulars will be given later.